Government Seeks Dialogue After Failed Negotiations
The federal government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue with the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) following the collapse of this week’s negotiation session. Secretary of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez, joined by Secretary of Education Mario Delgado and ISSSTE Director Martí Batres, proposed the establishment of technical working groups to address the teachers' grievances and prevent the ongoing encampment in Mexico City from dragging on.
Escalating Tensions and Clashes
The government’s offer comes amid high tensions following the second day of a national strike that has spread to 12 states. During the protests, CNTE demonstrators attempted to tear down two-meter-high barricades protecting the capital's Zócalo, prompting local police to respond with tear gas and explosive devices. According to reports from El Universal, Monday’s clashes left two teachers injured and resulted in another losing an eye.
Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez condemned the acts of "violence and vandalism," specifically pointing to the use of "fireworks, firecrackers, sledgehammers, and other devices" that endanger both protesters and the general public. The official emphasized that while the government respects peaceful protest, it is necessary to protect freedom of movement and prevent further risks. She also made a direct appeal to CNTE leadership to stop putting their members in harm's way.
The World Cup Factor
Access to the Zócalo remains restricted for civil protection reasons and due to the logistics required for scheduled 2026 World Cup activities. In response to these restrictions, CNTE members vandalized soccer-themed decorative statues along the Paseo de la Reforma—an act the Interior Ministry labeled a provocation. Federal authorities have insisted that negotiation is the only path to resolving the conflict and preventing further school closures.
Unresolved Demands
Although the federal government expressed a willingness to make progress on key issues, a significant gap remains between the teachers' demands and official promises. According to El Financiero, Secretary Mario Delgado confirmed a willingness to eliminate the Unit for the System for the Career of Teachers (USICAMM), a point included in previous agreements. Meanwhile, Martí Batres stated that the ISSSTE is working to improve services and benefits for educators.
However, authorities remained silent on the CNTE’s core demands, which include the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE Law, the reversal of former President Enrique Peña Nieto’s education reform, and a 100 percent salary increase. Despite the invitation to form technical working groups, the government has not guaranteed that these specific points will be met, leaving the dialogue in a technical phase while the boycott of 2026 World Cup Fan Fest activities continues.
